CD Reviews

Intelligent West Coast Album!

G Funkin | Land of Sunshine | 01/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm glad I took a chance on this album. Despite not finding any reviews for this album, I put all my faith in the reliability of g-funk west coast rap. I literally never do this, but the genre has just been so good. And it seldom disappoints. This album, in fact, exceeded my expectations. The only song I could sample beforehand was "West Coast Thang," which is just a simple and predictable west coast anthem song. It sounded and still sounds good, don't get me wrong, but this album is so much more. With the social-consciousness of 2Pac, the production skills of DJ Quik, and the smooth rap delivery of Snoop, this album sets itself apart from the pack. Although I just mentioned a lot of mainstream/popular artists, this album isn't diluted by mainstream influence at all. It really sounds real and the album's standout tracks feel straight from the heart. As much as, if not more than, dare I say, "Keep Your Head Up" and "Dear Mama."

The best songs on this album are the positive ones. "Memories" is a classic laced with a smooth guitar backing, a crooner that tops (yes) even Nate Dogg. His name is Mr. Efriaiam Galloway and what a voice he has. Now this is old school. The song talks about lost friends and just EXISTING in a tough neighborhood. It's really beautiful. The next classic is "One Life," with a rapping technique sort of like MC Eiht. Dotted and syncopated, I guess is the best way to describe it. The song talks about living life to the fullest because it can end at any moment. The mesmerizing sax in the background does it for me. Man, why didn't this album get any play?! These two songs are better than 99% of the rap I've heard in my life.

Other solid songs are "Bay Luv," another laid back song, the upbeat "West Coast Thang," "Feel My Essences" and "Bouncin' In Fo' Sho.' "Feel My Essences" has a sort of east coast feel, in the tradition of Mobb Deep or A Tribe Called Quest. Jazzy, sort of, with some awesome labyrinthine rhymes. If you're a fan of good rap, this one's for you. If you're a fan of G Funk, or Mobb Music if you prefer, this one's for you. You don't know what you're missing. "

Nice G-Funk from the Bay

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 03/02/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Oakland rapper Lex A.D. released his only album "Silenced by the Greed" in 1997. This is an album that really grew on me, at first I thought it was generic and forgettable, but I gradually began to like it the more I listened. "Silenced by the Greed" is a vehicle for great production. The sound is pure g-funk, and it's awesome. The rolling, bass-heavy beats are layered with twangy guitars, sultry saxes, and woozy synths. It's not groundbreaking by any means, but it's the smooth, feel-good vibe that makes the best g-funk such lovable music. As an MC, Lex A.D. isn't remarkable; he's your basic gangsta rapper and sticks to gangsta rap topics. Every track has at least one guest, which lends to a sort of communal vibe, and none are noteworthy, the only one I'd ever heard of is JT the Bigga Figga. Without the excellent beats, this album wouldn't be so memorable, but the production on "Silenced by the Greed" really is something special. For the g-funk purists, "Silenced by the Greed" is an enjoyable listen.

With the bass-heavy roller "S... in the Game" and the funky "Hustla," the album opens strongly. After the solid title track comes "Memories." Although the production on this track is among the best and the verses dedicated to the lost homies are also very nice, the track suffers from a weak hook ("Memories of lost friends you never knew"? Sounds like it came through a bad translator). Otherwise, it's one of the best offerings here. The early standout is "Bay Luv," a smooth, sunny Oakland anthem with great instrumentation. The twangy "West Coast Thang" is decent, and "Slow Your Roll" boasts some deeper verses over an appealing beat. Outside of a slightly sub-par hook, "Mama Don't Cry" is strong both musically and lyrically, and "P.F.N." is also good, talking about the business of incarceration with a space-funky beat. "Side II Side" is okay but not a standout, with a good beat and feel but a bad hook. "Feel My Essences" and "Bouncin' in Fo' Sho'" are both decent but neither are highlights. My favorite song is "One Life," a thoughtful song about life's fragile quality, and the production is excellent. The LP ends with the okay "Play's Blood."

This is an obscure album, and it never gained recognition because despite the great beats, it didn't have any budget behind it and couldn't emerge from the truckload of West Coast g-funk released in '97. Although it goes for insane prices today, it can be found reasonably, I bought it on iTunes. Some may find the content too similar to other more popular music, but for fans of Warren G or DJ Quik productions, "Silenced by the Greed" should be a cool alternative. It captures the sound of good g-funk."